Community Forums

Stannman · 04-25-2020, 07:31 PM

Kind of bored waiting for the country to re-open, so I'm shopping for RV stuff.

My 97 Dolphin has a 30 amp electrical system. Should I buy a 50 to 30 amp adapter in case only 50 amp campground space is available? For under $20 at Wally World, seems like cheap insurance.

Really my question is has anyone ever needed to use one? Worth buying?

PS: I've read all the 50 amp is better arguments in other threads, so I'm not interested in going down that rabbit hole.

weighit · 04-25-2020, 07:38 PM

Yes, when I owned a 30 amp rig and got stuck into the last open site in a park that only had 50 amp service, i was able to plug in. Pretty cheap insurance to have one and not need it.

GT7 Jim · 04-25-2020, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weighit

Yes, when I owned a 30 amp rig and got stuck into the last open site in a park that only had 50 amp service, i was able to plug in. Pretty cheap insurance to have one and not need it.

Ditto

cashmore · 04-25-2020, 07:59 PM

I agree cheep insurance!

Freqz · 04-25-2020, 08:13 PM

It costs almost nothing and takes almost no space. Grab one and throw it in your box of stuff you don’t need until you do.

I keep dogbones, hose washers, little short hoses, various propane adaptors, electrical connectors, etc. in that box and it’s saved more than a couple of times. (Especially the hose washers)

Old-Biscuit · 04-25-2020, 08:16 PM

50A Receptacles are usually in better condition then the old 30A receptacles.
50A to 30A will allow everything in your RV to operate......RV Main 30A CB will trip if overloaded. 50A CBs at power pedestal will not trip unless power cord is damaged (run over by lawnmower etc)

YC1 · 04-25-2020, 08:32 PM

I have loaned mine so yes it is nice to have.

GypsyR · 04-25-2020, 08:35 PM

My son in law just bought one a little while back. Because we had planned to go family camping and wanted adjoining sites. My coach needs 50 but his smaller camper is a 30. Adapter bought, problem solved. Side by side 50 amp sites are easy to find. Then the virus cancelled all that but he's prepared anyway and it was cheap.

momdoc · 04-25-2020, 08:58 PM

Actually two answers to this questions
1. No until you need it.
2. Then yes you should have bought one.

So yes get one.

marjoa · 04-25-2020, 09:13 PM

Yes.

Always be prepared for many different scenarios.

I always chuckle at folks who say they don't carry critical spare parts either. Until all of a sudden like I don't know "today" where it's tough to get stuff. First lesson you learn in the military is train, train, train and then prepare and then prepare some more.

Always be prepare for the unexpected.

Mudfrog · 04-25-2020, 11:14 PM

I've used mine several times over the years. Have found 30 amp receptacles that are worn out (loose blade contact) and burnt. Don't think I've ever come across a 50 amp receptacle that had a problem.

twinboat · 04-26-2020, 12:21 AM

I don't carry one, yet. If the need arises I'll buy one at the camp store.

I can always go down to 20 amps, I've got that adaptor.

Vibeman · 04-26-2020, 04:32 AM

I'm not a Boy Scout, but I have always been in the "be prepared" camp. Here's my story:
We only purchased our motor home (very first one) last November and while we were waiting for the final delivery I was browsing the store at the dealership for accessories I might need. The salesman suggested I buy the "starter kit" they offered and it seemed like a good deal so I bought it. It included a 50a to 30a "dogbone". As luck would have it, this January we got in a little bit late at our very first campground, and in our very first set up ever, I parked the coach, leveled, plugged in the electric, then hooked up water and sewer. (a little slow and awkward since it was the very first time I had ever actually done it) After I finished I went inside and my wife said "we don't have any power". By now it was getting dark so I got my flashlight and meter out and, sure enough, the outlet was dead.

After pondering my options for a moment I remembered the dogbone in the kit so I got it out, plugged it into the adjacent 50a receptacle and we were in business! The campground might have had a loaner dogbone, but if they didn't I probably would have had to pull up stakes and move to another lot in the dark.
I'm not a dog lover either, but I now have a newfound appreciation for dog bones!

Stevescoach · 04-26-2020, 04:50 AM

Ive always carried and used a 50 to 30 for our 50 amp coach to plug into a 30 amp outlet but I've never heard of an adapter for a 30 amp rv to plug into a 50. I have learned something new today.